Inspiring Conversations with Joe Makston of Ryppl Effect

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Makston

Hi Joe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career spans over 30 years in the corporate world, focusing on bank operations, call centers, learning & development, and employee experience. Along the way, I also served as a full-time pastor, which deeply influenced my understanding of leadership and the importance of empathy and community.

Early in my career, I was frankly a jerk. I was entitled, arrogant, and thought I knew everything. Thankfully, my leader, Nan, saw potential that I couldn’t see at the time. She spent a year building trust, coaching me, and at the right time challenged the way I interacted with people. She said, “At some point you’re going to have to rest on your own influence, not mine. You can choose to be direct and dominating or you could choose another way. It’s up to you.” I knew Nan cared about me. She had shown that time and time again over the previous year. I chose the latter, and Nan introduced me to leaders that wanted to help me as well and, in one instance, read “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek. From that point on, I made it my goal to help people know someone cares about them. It totally changed my perspective on people, how I led, and thankfully humbled me as well.

This experience became the framework of who I am. I unabashedly tell people I care about them, I hold space for them to share their stories, and challenge them to be their best, just like Nan did. I haven’t done it perfectly; I’ve still had moments of being a crappy leader. Thankfully, I’ve realized it and accepted responsibility for it.

Each of my roles in banking or at Early Warning Services, the creator and operator of Zelle, was centered around building teams, departments, and helping employees understand how their contributions impact the success of the organization.

In July 2023, I faced a turning point when I was laid off. Despite my success leading teams, learning & development, and employee experience, finding a new job didn’t feel right. I realized I wanted to make a more meaningful impact on people’s lives. This led me to fulfill a long-held dream of starting my own consulting firm.

Today, I’m the founder of Ryppl Effect, a leadership development coaching and consulting firm. We focus on making leadership development and strategy accessible to small businesses and non-profits. My passion lies in helping organizations build effective leaders who truly care about their teams.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road! Starting and running Ryppl Effect has been a steep learning curve. In the past, I’ve had to build entire departments from scratch, so I’m no stranger to creating something out of nothing. When I launched a leadership podcast, for example, I had to learn interviewing techniques, website development, editing, and social media promotion all on my own.

With Ryppl Effect, I’ve had to dive into business development, SEO, finance, networking, and crafting proposals. It’s been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful for friends further along in their consulting journeys who have offered invaluable advice and support. I’m continuously learning and improving—better today than I was last week, and aiming to be even better next week. It’s those small, consistent steps each day that truly make a difference.

We’ve been impressed with Ryppl Effect, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a leadership development coaching and consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations with underdeveloped capacities. We specialize in making leadership development and strategy accessible to small businesses and non-profits, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to cultivate effective leaders.

Our approach is unique in that we focus on the holistic development of leaders through our three pillars: ‘Leading Self,’ ‘Leading Others,’ and ‘Winning Together.’ This comprehensive method ensures that leaders are not only self-aware and self-motivated but also skilled in fostering collaboration and driving team success.

What sets Ryppl Effect apart is our commitment to creating lasting, positive change within organizations. We don’t just offer generic training programs; we tailor our services to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. Our services include leadership development programs, one-on-one coaching, public speaking engagements, and strategic leadership consulting.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our tagline, “make ripples, not waves.” This encapsulates our philosophy of creating consistent, meaningful impacts rather than short-lived, disruptive changes. We aim to build leaders who inspire and uplift their teams, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

I’d like people to know that Ryppl Effect is here to support their leadership journey, no matter the size of their organization. Our goal is to help them build leadership competencies that drive results and create a positive, inclusive workplace culture. We are passionate about ensuring every team member feels valued and appreciated, fostering environments where everyone can thrive.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, absolutely. The COVID-19 crisis was a profound teacher, bringing mental health and social justice issues to the forefront of my mind in ways I had never anticipated.

First, the pandemic taught me the critical importance of self-care in leadership. You can’t effectively lead others if you’re not taking care of yourself. This means more than just the occasional vacation or day off; it means integrating self-care into your daily routine. Whether it’s taking a walk, recognizing when you’re tired, or being open with your team about your own challenges, self-care is essential. I’ve learned to communicate honestly about how I’m feeling, finding the support and help I need along the way. Like I tell my kids, “I can’t help if I don’t know about it.”

Secondly, COVID-19 highlighted how much we tend to stick with what’s familiar. It’s natural to seek comfort in the known, but this crisis showed me how limiting that can be. A turning point for me was a conversation in July 2020 with my good friend Eric Bailey, who was speaking to my company about race and bias. He posed a simple yet profound question: “What if we said ‘I don’t understand, but I want to’ and actually meant it?” That statement opened a door for me. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and seek to understand those who are different from me. I started having conversations with people I never would have before, approaching each interaction with genuine curiosity and no agenda.

This journey of understanding brought to light the beauty of humanity and the stark realities of the work still needed in social justice. The pandemic was a time of immense hardship, but it also created opportunities for deep reflection and growth. It was a time when the rainbow of life could shine through the windows of our hearts and minds, urging us to be curious, thankful, and to drive change.

This crisis reminded me of the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care, not just for myself but for those I lead. It also pushed me to embrace discomfort and strive for a deeper understanding of others. The pandemic was undeniably challenging, but it also sparked beautiful moments of connection and learning that will forever shape how I lead and live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ryppleffect.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmakston/

Image Credits
Sandi Shipley, photography for headshot image